PACC COVID-19 UPDATES
Governor Mike DeWine announced on Thursday, July 23, a statewide mask mandate is in effect for citizens living in all 88 Ohio counties.
Continued Business Closures
The following businesses and operations remain closed as of June 24, 2020, as part of Ohio’s plan to prevent the spread of COVID-19. All open businesses, facilities, and other operations must follow required safety protocols.
- K-12 schools.
- (Excludes all activities related to non-contact and limited contact sports; skills training, practice, and scrimmages for all sports; and pools and aquatic centers.)
- Older adult day care services and senior centers.
- Adult day support or vocational habilitation services in congregate settings.
- Rooming and boarding houses, and workers’ camps.
- Certain entertainment/recreation sites.
- Includes:
- Auditoriums, stadiums, arenas.
- Performance theatres and indoor concert and music halls.
- Parades, fairs, festivals, and carnivals. (County fairs are permitted.)
- Certain spectator sports, sports tournaments, and organized recreational sports leagues. (Skills training, practice, and scrimmages for all sports is permitted. Non-contact and limited-contact sports are permitted. Batting cages, bowling alleys, tennis facilities, and golf courses are permitted to open.)
- Some public and private pools. (Public pools and club pools regulated by local health departments are permitted to open. Use of swimming pools for single households also is permitted.)
Sector Specific Operating Requirements
Primary
- Manufacturing, Distribution & Construction
- Consumer, Retail & Services
- General Office Environments
- Hair Salons, Day Spas, Nail Salons, Barbershops & Tanning Facilities
- Restaurants and Bars
Healthcare & Hospitals
- Responsible RestartOhio for Health Care Webinar
- Responsible RestartOhio A Guide For Health Care
- Responsible RestartOhio for Health Care Slides
- Healthcare Procedures & Hospitals COVID-19 Checklist
Other Resources
• Responsible Protocols (Safe Practices for Getting Back to Work)
• Guiding Principles
• Actions if Infection at Workplace
• Contact Tracing
• OSHA – Return to Work Guidelines
For the latest updates and information about the virus nationally, visit the CDC’s Coronavirus page.
For information about the state of the virus in Ohio, visit the Ohio Department of Health COVID-19 page.
For answers to your COVID-19 questions, call 1-833-4-ASK-ODH (1-833-427-5634)
BEST PRACTICES
CLEAN ALL “HIGH-TOUCH” SURFACES EVERY DAY
High touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables. Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe according to the label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.
All businesses must follow general safe business practices as they reopen. Those include requiring face coverings for all employees, and recommending them for clients and customers at all times; conducting daily health assessments or self-evaluations of employees; maintaining good hygiene and social distancing; cleaning and sanitizing workplaces; and limiting capacity to meet social distancing guidelines.
BUSINESS RESOURCES
Small Business Assistance Governor’s Office
U.S. Small Business Administration Disaster Loan Program https://twitter.com/GovMikeDeWine
BusinessHelp@Development.Ohio.Gov https://governor.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/governor/
Ohio Development Services Agency
Checklist for Businesses
Small Business Loan Guide (by US Chamber)
Check Status of Loan
Paycheck Protection Program
Unemployment AssistanceOhio Dept of Commerce – Liquor Control
https://unemployment.ohio.gov
https://twitter.com/OhioLiquor
Ohio Means Jobs
Families First Coronavirus Response Act – FAQ
FFCRA – Poster
Ohio Health Department Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation
Coronavirus.ohio.gov Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions – 4/9/2020
https://twitter.com/OHdeptofhealth Email the BWC
https://odh.ohio.gov/ Premium Installment Deferral Information
Guidance for Screening Employees
PPE Donation Form
Hospital Preparedness Regions and Healthcare Zones
Support Local Ohio – Website
3-22-2020 Stay At Home Order
White House IRS/Tax Returns
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Payment Deadline Extended to July 15, 2020
IR-2020-57: Paid leave for workers and tax credits Filing and Payment Deadlines Questions and AnswersUS Department of Homeland Security Coronavirus Tax Relief for Businesses and Tax-Exempt Entities
Latest News
- 7/23/20 – Director’s Order for Facial Coverings throughout the State of Ohio
- 7/23/20 – Eight Counties Increase to Red Alert Level Three, Importance of Self-Quarantines, Broadband Expansion
- 7/22/20 – 2nd Director’s Order to Extend Exp. for Contact Sports Practices
- 7/22/20 – Governor DeWine Issues Statewide Mask Order, Travel Warning
- 7/17/20 – Addendum to Director’s Order for Facial Coverings in Counties in Level 3 Public Health Advisory
- 7/16/20 – Director’s Order to Extend the Expiration Date of 2nd Amended Order for Sports
- 7/15/20 – Governor DeWine Implores Ohioans to Unite to Prevent Spread of Covid-19
- 7/13/20 – COVID-19 Minority Health Strike Force Updates
- 7/10/20 – Addendum to Director’s Order on Face Coverings
- 7/09/20 – Executive Order 2020-28D – Directing Expenditure of Fiscal Year 2021 TANF Funds by ODJFS
- 7/09/20 – Executive Order 2020-27D – Directing Expenditure of Fiscal Year 2021 TANF Funds by ODJFS
- 7/09/20 – New Risk Levels, Higher Education Guidance, Funding for Schools, Homelessness Grant, IMAP Launch, SharedWork Program, Plasma Donation
- 7/08/20 – Director’s Order for Facial Coverings in 7 Counties
- 7/08/20 – Minority Health Testing
- 7/07/20 – Face Coverings to be Required in High-Risk
- 7/07/20 – Updating and Revising Requirements and Guidance for Youth Day
- 7/07/20 – Directors 2nd Order to Extend Expiration of Various Orders
- 7/07/20 – Director’s 2nd Amendment – Guidance for Contact Sports
- 7/02/20 – Executive Order 2020-26D -Authorizing 100% Federal Funding for SharedWork Ohio Benefits
- 7/02/20 – Director’s Order to Limit Access to Ohio’s Nursing Homes and Similar Facilities
- 7/02/20 – Ohio Public Health Advisory System
- 7/02/20 – School Guidelines, Public Health Advisory System
- 7/02/20 – Reset-Restart Planning Guide for Schools and Districts
- 6/30/20 – Director’s Order to Extend the Expiration Date of Various Orders
- 6/30/20 – Guidance for Contact Sport Practices and Non-Contact Sport Competitions, with Exceptions
- 6/29/20 – Increases in Hospitalizations and Positivity Rate, Counties of Concern, Nursing Home Visitation, Order Extension
- 6/26/20 – COVID-19 Minority Health Testing
- 6/26/20 – Increase in Positive Cases, 2-1-1
- 6/23/20 – Public Awareness Campaigns, Fireworks, Criminal Justice Grants
- 6/22/20 – Minority Health Testing
- 6/19/20 – Case Increases in Children and in Southwest Ohio..
- 6/18/20 – Executive Order – Unemployment Insurance During Covid-19 Pandemic
- 6/18/20 – COVID-19 Minority Health Testing
- PRIOR NEWS STORIES
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT/RESOURCES
Please regularly visit Coronavirus.Ohio.Gov/BusinessHelp for the most complete and up-to-date information about resources available for Ohio businesses, individuals, and families. Listed below are just a few.
The alliance includes: Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, Ohio Hospital Association, Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership, Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network, nursing home organizations, JobsOhio, Ohio Department of Administrative Services, Ohio Development Services Agency, and the Ohio Department of Health. Anyone else with items to donate should email together@governor.ohio.gov.
Impacted Employee Support
Your employees may be affected by the temporary restrictions put in place. The Governor’s office also announced several initiatives to help:
- They are broadening current state policy to clarify that individuals that are quarantined by a health professional or by their employer are considered to be unemployed and will not be subject to requirements to actively seek work during the period of emergency.
- This also applies to companies that determine it is necessary to temporarily shut down operations due to the current emergency.
- Ohio currently has a 1-week waiting period before an individual can receive unemployment. In order to expedite the payments to impacted Ohioans, they are waiving the waiting week so that workers eligible for unemployment benefits will receive them for the first week of unemployment.
- www.unemployment.ohio.gov
These points were taken from the Governor’s Twitter page, but as soon additional details become available, the chamber office will share them with you.
Bar/Restaurant Owner Support
The Lt. Governor announced a temporary buy-back of high proof liquor products purchased within the last 30 days. The goal of this is to ease cash flow for bar/restaurant owners. Here is a release by the Department of Commerce that shares more. It should be returned to the Agency where it was purchased. If you have questions you may call 1-877-812-0013 or email ohioliquorinfo@com.ohio.gov
Workplace Safety
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has resources to help employers and workers prepare for and respond to coronavirus in the workplace.
- OSHA Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for COVID-19 – Developed in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help employers respond in the event of coronavirus in the workplace.
- Temporary OSHA Guidance on Respiratory Protection Standard – This guidance provides suggestions and options to help increase the availability of N95 filtering facepiece respirators for healthcare providers.
- COVID-19 Webpage – Provides infection prevention information specifically for employers and workers.
Wages, Hours and Leave
The Wage and Hour Division is providing information on common issues employers and workers face when responding to COVID-19, including the effects on wages and hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act and job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Unemployment Insurance Flexibilities
NOTE: Check with your state’s unemployment insurance program regarding the rules in your state.
The Employment and Training Administration announced new guidance outlining state flexibilities in administering their unemployment insurance programs to assist Americans affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Under the guidance, federal law permits significant flexibility for states to amend their laws to provide unemployment insurance benefits in multiple scenarios related to COVID-19. For example, federal law allows states to pay benefits where:
- An employer temporarily ceases operations due to COVID-19, preventing employees from coming to work;
- An individual is quarantined with the expectation of returning to work after the quarantine is over; and
- An individual leaves employment due to a risk of exposure or infection or to care for a family member.
In addition, federal law does not require an employee to quit in order to receive benefits due to the impact of COVID-19.
Federal Response
Additionally, the House acted late last week to pass legislation to support businesses and families affected by the disruption. Here is a great overview by the US Chamber which breaks down what is included.
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PERSONAL SUPPORT/RESOURCES
What to do if you are sick
If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow these CDC steps to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community. Know the symptoms, pdf
How to protect yourself
Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself. CDC Steps
Coping with COVID-19 Anxiety
Resources to help you deal with the stress and mental toll of the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Family Activities to Try During COVID-19 Closures – Link
- COVID-19 and Reducing Panic – Link
- COVID-19 and Anxiety – Link
- Kids and COVID-19 – Link
- Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event – Link
- Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation – Link
- Coping with Stress During an Infectious Disease Outbreak- Link
- Supporting At-Home Children- Link
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There are 11.7 million people residing in the State of Ohio
Ohio is the 7th most populated State in the US
Ohio is 6th in the nation of older adults
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PRINTABLE SIGNAGE
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